South Africa: 553 rhinos killed by poachers so far in 2013

According to the latest statistics released by the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa has lost 553 rhinos to illegal poaching since the beginning of 2013. Of the rhinos poached, 345 rhinos were killed in the Kruger National Park, 56 in Limpopo, 55 in North West, 53 in KwaZulu-Natal, 37 in Mpumalanga, 3 in Gauteng and 2 in the Eastern Cape and in the Marakele National Park respectively.
The number of people arrested for rhino poaching-related offences climbs to 148. Since the beginning of the year, 65 alleged poachers have been arrested in the Kruger National Park, while 30 have been arrested in Mpumalanga and another 30 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Latest rhino poaching figures (as of 07 August 2013):  

• Kruger National Park (SANParks) - 345 rhinos poached
• Marakele National Park (SANParks) - 2 rhinos poached
• Gauteng - 3 rhinos poached
• Limpopo - 56 rhinos poached
• Mpumalanga - 37 rhinos poached
• North-West Province - 55 rhinos poached
• Eastern Cape - 2 rhinos poached
• Free State - 0 rhino poached
• KwaZulu Natal - 53 rhinos poached
• Western Cape - 0 rhino poached
• Northern Cape - 0 rhino poached

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is urging members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005, 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.